Lake County Gazette

The annual Rotary Run Charity Classic in Hinsdale marked its 31st year with strong community participation and a variety of events for all ages. The event, held on a Sunday, included races such as the D181 Mascot Race and Tricycle Race, attracting families, students, alumni, and local residents.

Participants could choose from 10K, 5K, and 3K runs or walks, as well as the "Mutt Strutt" for pets. Proceeds from the event support both local and international charities. Key beneficiaries include the District 181 Foundation, Hanson Therapeutic Riding Center, Hinsdale Hospital Foundation, The Community House of Hinsdale, and the Rotary Club of Hinsdale Foundation. Funds also help provide bicycles and helmets to children of active military members in Illinois on Armed Forces Day through partnerships with organizations like the USO of Illinois.

A highlight was the D181 Mascot Race at 9:45 AM near The Community House finish line. Isaiah, known as the Oak Owl mascot, won first place for a second consecutive year. Families contributed by helping mascots prepare for their race and supporting participants throughout the day.

Superintendent Dr. Hector Garcia commented on the event’s collaborative spirit: "All of our racers are winners because all of our D181 schools came together and had fun getting fit for a good cause," he said. “The event truly underscored the power of community collaboration and the joy of working together for a shared purpose.”

Hinsdale Community Consolidated School District 181 serves schools across DuPage and Cook counties including Clarendon Hills Middle School; Elm Elementary School; Hinsdale Middle School; Madison Elementary School; Monroe Elementary School; Oak Elementary School; Prospect Elementary School; The Lane Elementary School; and Walker School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). According to state data, District 181 employs 282 teachers with an average salary of $94,227 before pension contributions. Ninety percent are women while ten percent are men. No teachers in this district have more than ten absences per school year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

Demographically, District 181 is composed of approximately 69.8 percent White students, with smaller percentages identifying as Black (1.1 percent), Hispanic (6.8 percent), or Asian (15.4 percent) (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In terms of spending, District 181 spent $31,308 per student in 2020 for a total expenditure exceeding $117 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

The Rotary Run Charity Classic remains an important tradition in Hinsdale that brings people together while supporting charitable causes locally and beyond.